Trailer Fire Shuts Down I-77 Near Mile Marker 68

A tractor-trailer carrying frozen food caught fire early Wednesday morning, prompting a temporary shutdown of Interstate 77 northbound in northern Iredell County.

At approximately 3:48 a.m. on June 24, Union Grove Fire & Rescue, with assistance from Buck Shoals Volunteer Fire Department, responded to a reported vehicle fire on I-77 North near mile marker 68.

Engine 2 and Chief 3 arrived on scene to find a trailer that had become disconnected from its tractor fully engulfed in flames. The trailer, which was transporting frozen food products, was heavily involved when firefighters arrived.

Crews worked quickly to bring the blaze under control and conducted extensive overhaul operations to extinguish remaining hot spots. Due to the significant damage sustained by the trailer, Ultimate Towing & Recovery was called to assist with heavy equipment and removal efforts.

Interstate 77 northbound was shut down for a brief period while firefighters battled the fire, causing traffic disruptions during the early morning hours.

Fire units cleared the scene shortly before 8 a.m., though cleanup and recovery operations continued well into the afternoon.

No injuries were reported.

Union Grove Fire & Rescue expressed appreciation to Buck Shoals Volunteer Fire Department and other mutual aid partners for their assistance during the incident.